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Profile: Lyn Weir

Lyn Weir had become very settled in her choice as an electrical and computer engineering major when a personal experience demonstrated the real world application and impact of her career path.

At the time her best friend's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, Weir was becoming complacent with the mundane drill of homework, tests and projects, and was trying to understand how her future with an engineering degree could really help people.

In what some might call divine intervention—or perhaps just a coincidence in timing—electrical and computer engineering professor Erdem Topsakal delivered a life-changing message. Unaware of Weirs' circumstances, he asked her to work with him in developing and researching an innovative breast cancer early detection device that could save millions of lives. His work involves a small electrical antenna that is implanted into the breast. It could become more effective and accurate than mammograms at detecting small tumors.

"A good friend of mine is fighting for her life, so for me this research has become more than just professional experience I can include on a resume," Weir said. "It's personal."